Pattern maker

ABSTRACT

Pattern forming apparatus and methods for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into any one of a plurality of different patterns wherein an approach conveyor, for successively conveying products in a longitudinal path, communicates with a reorienting member for receiving a first group of products from the approach conveyor and disposing them in end-for-end reversed position relative to incoming products on the approach conveyor. Pusher mechanism is provided for selectively, transversely pushing one or more additional products on the approach conveyor into abutting relation with the reoriented products to join with them in a common plane product.

United States Patent [1 1 Ingram et al.

[ June 19, W73

[ PATTERN MAKER [75 lnventors: Charles E. Ingram, Freeland;

Ronald D. Elson, Merrill, both of Mich.

[73 Assignee: Baker Perkins Inc., Saginaw, Mich. [22] Filed: Sept. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 73,996

[52] US. Cl. 198/33 AB [51] Int. Cl. B65g 47/24 [58] Field of Search 198/24, 33 AB, 29,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,883,074 4/1959 Boehl 214/6 P 3,462,912 8/1969 Anderson 53/159 AttorneyLearman and McCulloc'h [57] ABSTRACT Pattern forming apparatus and methods for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into any one of a plurality of different patterns wherein an approach conveyor, for successively conveying products in a longitudinal path, communicates with a reorienting member for receiving a first group of products from the approach conveyor and disposing them in end-for-end reversed position relative to incoming products on the approach conveyor. Pusher mechanism is provided for selectively, transversely pushing one or more additional products on the approach conveyor into abutting relation with the reoriented products to join with them in a common plane product.

43 Claims, 28 Drawing Figures Pmiminwm 3.139.902

WIZWB NO 8 l' CD S2 LL 0 o N a) r m I] v N i v? S m o 3 gm m m .1

9 \/Q r LL m Ill g g r m t 5% I J (\1 HQ) 2 v L I' m INVENTORS CHARLES E. INGRAM RONALD D. ELSON Leannan McCulloch ATTORNEYS PATENTED JUN I 9 I973 SHEET 3 BF 8 INVENTORS CHARLES E. INGRAM RONALD D. ELSON Leannan Mcflulloch ATTORNEYS PATENIED JUN I 9 I973 INVENTORS. CHARLES E. INGRAM RONALD D. ELSON Learman (:3 Mai lull/M11 ATTORNEYS PATTERN MAKER This invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming patterns, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for selectively grouping food products, such as loaves of packaged bread, into any one of a plurality of different patterns.

In the food processing art, food, such as loaves of bread, is commonly packaged by firstly placing the bread loaves into plastic bags and then sealing the bags by twisting and tying the open ends thereof. Because of its physical appearance, the tied end of a bagged bread loaf is generally referred to in the art as the tail end.

After the bread is bagged, it is grouped and placed on trays or containers for transportation to retail outlets. When the bread loaves are placed on a tray with their tails extending outwardly beyond the side walls of the tray, the protruding tails occasionally catch either the processing machinery or the sides of the vehicle in which the bread carrying trays are being transported, and are dragged off the trays. Such displaced loaves may be damaged and rendered unsalable. If the bread loaves can be positioned on the trays such that the tails are positioned inwardly, this does not occur.

An important object of the present invention is to provide labor saving pattern forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a variety of different patterns to suit 7 a bakerys requirements, including patterns wherein all tails are inwardly disposed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus for selectively grouping food products, such as bread loaves, into a plurality of different patterns.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide methods and apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into patterns at a higher rate than has been heretofore possible.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide pattern forming apparatus capable of selectively forming a variety of different patterns dependent on the size of the product being processed which will permit the maximum number of products to be loaded into a container of predetermined size.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

Briefly, according to the present invention, there is provided pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into a selected pattern of a plurality of different patterns comprising conveying means for successively conveying products in a particular orientation in a longitudinal path of travel, a

control circuit adapted to be connected with a source of electrical power, means connected in the control circuit for moving products from the conveying means and grouping the products into adjacent rows, means connected in circuit with the moving and grouping means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in the pattern by the grouping means, and means connected in the control circuit for selectively turning the products in at least one of the rows through a partial revolution.

The present invention may more readily be described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan fragmentary view of a portion of pattern forming apparatus,.constructed according to the invention, particularly illustrating the first and second loaf interrupting gates and the turning members for turning the loaves moving on the approach conveyor;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational end view of one of the loaf turning members, taken along the line 3 3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an opposite elevational end view of other of the loaf turning members, taken along the line 4 4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional end elevational view, taken along the line 5 5 of FIG. 7 and particularly illustrating the sweep pusher mechanism for movingthe loaves transversely from the approach conveyor;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the sweep pusher mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 5B is a rear elevational view of the pusher mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 6 10 are top plan, fragmentary views of the pattern forming apparatus illustrating the various positions of certain elements of the apparatus and the products being grouped during a typical pattern forming cycle;

FIGS. 11, 11A, 11B and 11C collectively illustrate a schematic diagram of an electrical control circuit for operating the pattern forming apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 l0;

FIGS. 12 22 are schematic illustrations of .various patterns which can be formed with the pattern forming apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 111; and

FIG. 23 is a diagram which schematically illustrates the positions of cam operated switches which are incorporated with the circuit during a complete operating cycle of the sweep pusher member.

GENERAL SYSTEM Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and in the first instance to FIGS. 6 10 particularly, appa ratus constructed according to the invention includes an approach or infeed conveyor, generally designated C, adapted to receive food products, such as packaged loaves of bread, generally designated B, from a bagger or the like (not shown). The bagged loaves B, which include tail end portions t, proceed generally crosswisely in broadside disposition at a predetermined rate on the conveyor C.

The conveyor C includes a first conveyor section, the longitudinal extent of which is represented by the arrow D in FIG. 10, which includes a plurality of power driven rollers R1 (FIG. 10) journaled by a pair of longitudinally extending side rails 10 and 12, and continuously driven by any suitable source of power such as an electric motor M (see circuit line L3 of FIG. 11) connected thereto with suitable chains and sprockets (not shown). The conveyor C also includes a second conveyor section, the longitudinal extent of which is designated by the arrow B in FIG. 10, which similarly comprises a plurality of power driven rollers R2 (FIG. 10) journaled by the side rails 10 and 12, but which are continuously driven by the electric motor M via other chains and sprockets (not shown), at a faster rate than the rollers of the first conveyor section Dare driven, to space the bread loaves B (for example, at approximately six inch intervals).

Mounted ahead of the approach conveyor C is a turn conveyor, generally designated] TC, comprising a plurality of power driven rollers R3 (FIG. 10) which are journaled bycurvilinear side rails 10' and 12' and are continuously driven by the electric motor M via still other suitable sprockets and chains (not shown) at the same rate as the rollers R2 of the conveyor section E. The turn conveyor TC receives a group of bread loaves B from the conveyor section E and moves the loaves B in a 180 turn path onto a discharge apron, generally designated 14, disposed oppositely to conveyor section E. The apron 14 is supported in such a manner that the upper support surface thereof is flush with the turn conveyor TC. A mechanically adjustable stop 16 (FIG. 6) is adjustably positioned on the apron 14 to interrupt the loaves B, proceeding from section TC, which are turned or reoriented end-for-end relative to their former positions on the conveyor section B.

A raisable gate or stop, schematically shown at 18, in FIG. 6, is movable from a raised inoperative position to a lowered loaf blocking position adjacent the discharge end of the conveyor turn TC by a double acting, solenoid actuated pressure fluid operated cylinder, schematically illustrated at G3, to selectively interrupt the passage of bread loaves B onto the apron 14.

A vertically movable stop or gate assembly, generally shown at 20, in FIG. 6, is movable from a raised inoperative position to a lowered blocking position for selectively interrupting the flow of products on the conveyor section E so that the bread loaves B may be grouped at what is generally referred to as a transfer station T.

A sweep pusher assembly, generally designated S in FIGS. 5 and 6, is provided for transversely sweeping loaves B grouped at the transfer station T onto a bridge conveyor plate 28 (FIGS. 5 and 6), which is supported in such a manner that the upper support surface thereof is flush with the discharge apron 14 and the upper surface of the conveyor section E, and then sweeping the loaves into abutting relation with the loaves B positioned on the discharge apron or conveyor plate 14. The sweep S is driven by a motor MZR (FIG. 5) which is selectively driven in a manner to be later described.

The stop assembly mounts a turning device, generally illustrated at 32 (FIG. 6), which is vertically movable therewith in addition to being mounted for swinging movement for turning a loaf, such as the loaf designated B6 at the transfer station T, (FIG. 7) in the direction of the arrow a.

Disposed upstream of the turning device 32 and the stop assembly 20 is another vertically movable gate assembly, generally designated G. Disposed downstream of, but adjacent to, the gate assembly G is a turning device 34 which is also mounted for vertical swinging movement, as well as horizontal swinging movement for turning a loaf of bread B, such as the loaf designated B7 at the transfer station T, (FIG. 7) in an opposite direction, indicated by the arrow b (FIG. 1) in a manner to be presently described in more detail.

In the formation of a typical pattern, as progressively illustrated in FIGS. 6 10, the five loaves, designated Bl B5, which were halted by the third gate 18, were moved onto the discharge plate 14 by the turn conveyor TC as soon as the preceding group of loaves was swept off the plate 14 by the sweep pusher assembly S and the third gate 18 was moved to the raised position. The five loaves, designated Bl B5, have proceeded from the conveyor section D, through the conveyor section B and then onto the turn conveyor TC and will be halted by the third gate 18 which is again moved to its lowered position. The gate assembly 20, in the meantime, lowers and blocks the sixth loaf, designated B6. As soon as the seventh loaf, designated B7, passes under the gate G, the gate G lowers to block the passage of following loaves and the turning mechanisms 32 and 34 move from the solid line positions shown in FIG. 7 to the chain line positions shown in FIG. 7.

After the loaves designated B6 and B7 are turned to the positions shown in chain lines in FIG. 7, the sweep S is operated to push the loaves B6 and B7 to the chain line position shown in FIG. 8. The gate G is then raised to permit the loaves designated B8 B12 to pass to the transfer station T, as shown in FIG. 9. The sweep assembly S continues to operate to transversely move the loaves B8 B12 from the positions shown in FIG. 9 to group them with loaves B1-B5', B6 and B7, and thence move the pattern formed onto a discharge conveyor, shown generally at I in FIG. 10. The gate 18 is then raised to permit loaves B1 B5 to proceed to the positions originally occupied by loaves B1'-B5.

THE GATES AND TURNING MEMBERS Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 5, SA and 5B, the stop assembly 20 includes a stop plate 38 (FIGS. 1 3) having a vertical front flange portion 38a which is engaged by the bread loaves B when the stop is in lowered loaf interrupting position. The stop plate 38 is movable from the lowered position shown in FIG. 3 to a raised inoperative position by means of a double acting, solenoid actuated, pneumatic cylinder G2,

mounted on a fixed frame member 40 (FIG. 3), which has a piston rod G211 connected with an upwardly extending side 38b on the plate 38. A pair of vertically extending guide rods 42, fixed to the plate 38, are slidably received in pairs of guides 44 fixed to the frame member 40. The cylinder G2 is provided with a pair of solenoids G2U and G2D (FIG. 118) for directing air under pressure to the cylinder G2 so as to move the stop plate 38 up and down, respectively. I

The turn member, generally shown at 32 in FIGS. 2 and 6, comprises a swingable pusher bar 46 (FIG. I) mounted on one end of a crank arm 47 which is pivotally movable about a pin 48 extending upwardly from the stop plate 38. The other end of the crank arm 47 is pivotally connected via a pin 51 with the piston rod 49 of a cylinder LT2 which is pivotally mounted on the stop plate 38 by a pivot pin 50 (FIG. 3). If, in the pattern selected, a loaf, such as B6, is to be turned, when the piston rod 49 of the loaf turning cylinder LT2 is withdrawn in a manner to be later described, the turning bar 46 is swung about the pin 48 to shift a loaf, such as loaf B6, from the broadside position shown in solid lines in FIG. 7 to the lengthwisely disposed position, shown in chain lines in FIG. 7.

The other product turner, generally shown at 34 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6, comprises a turning plate 54, pivotally movable on a transversely extending horizontally disposed support shaft 56 (FIGS. 2 and 4) which is mounted on the lower portion of a vertically extending pivotally mounted shaft 58 for swinging movement in a horizontal plane. The shaft 58 is pivotally supported in bearing brackets 60 (FIG. 2) mounted on a frame support member 52 spanning the conveyor C. A bell crank 66 (FIG. 1), which is fixed to the upper portion of the shaft 58, is pivotally connected with the horizontally extending piston rod 68 of a single acting, solenoid actuated, spring returned pneumatic cylinder LTl, also pivotally mounted on the plate 52 on a pivot pin 70. A double-acting, solenoid operated, pneumatic cylinder TP, is mounted on the frame plate 52 by brackets (not shown) and includes a piston rod 75. The turning plate 54 has a pin 72 (FIG. 2) received within an elongate slot 73 provided in a plate 74 that is connected to the piston rod 75 for swinging the plate 54 from the raised position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to the lowered position shown in chain lines in FIG. 2 when the cylinder TP is actuated.

The first stop or gate member G is also mounted on the frame bracket 52 for selectively interrupting the flow of loaves on the conveyor and includes a crossbar 76 (FIG. ll) fixed at its ends to a pair of side members 78 which are pivotally supported on pairs of upright members 80 that are fixed to the conveyor side rails and 12. At its midportion, the cross bar 76 is pivotally connected by a link to the piston rod 84 of the double acting, solenoid operated, pneumatic cylinder G1. The cylinder G1 is pivotally dependent from the terminal ends of a pair of rearwardly extending support bars 86 fixed at their opposite ends to the plate 52.

If, in the pattern to be formed, a loaf, such as that designated B7, is to be turned, the cylinder TP is actuated to swing the plate 54 downwardly from the raised position shown in FIG. 2 to the lowered, operative position, also shown in chain lines in FIG. 2, and then the loaf turn cylinder LTl is actuated to turn the plate 54 in the direction of the arrow b (FIG. 1). The loaf is thus turned 90 from the broadsidely disposed position shown in solid line in FIG. 6 to the lengthwisely disposed position, shown in chain lines in FIG. 6 so that the tails t of the turned loaves (B6 and B7 for instance) are in abutting relation (see also FIG. 1).

THE SWEEP PUSHER ASSEMBLY CONVEYOR The sweep pusher assembly conveyor, generally designated S, is more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, and includes a pair of side frame rails 200 connected by end rails 201. Pairs of bearing blocks 202 on the rails 200 journal a pair of front and rear shafts 26 which mount sprockets 24 having a pair of endless chains 22 trained therearound. A pair of pusher bar mechanisms, generally designated 204 and 206 (FIG. 6), are carried by the endless chains 22 and each include a transversely disposed carrier rod 207 (FIG. 5B) spanning the endlessly driven chains 22 and pivotally supported thereon in any suitable manner. A pair of support rods 208 welded or otherwise suitably secured to each carrier rod 207 mount a pusher plate 209 at their terminal ends.

Sets of torsion springs (not shown) connected between the carrier rods 207 and the chains 22, resiliently urge the pusher bar mechanism 206 to the retracted position, shown in chain lines in FIG. 5, and the pusher bar mechanism 204 to the retracted position shown at 204" (in FIG. 5). To move the pusher 204 from the retracted position shown at 204 to the extended position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 5), a pair of cam follower rollers 210 and 211 are rotatably mounted on a pair of support blocks 212 fixed to the carrier rod 207 of the pusher 204. As the portions of the chains 22 mounting the pusher assembly 204 negotiate the lefthand sprockets 24, as viewed in FIG. 5, the follower roller 210 will engage the upper camming surface 213 of a camming plate 214 and the roller 211 will engage the upper surface of a vertically inclined cam rod member 215, and pusher bar assembly 204 will be swung to extended, vertical position.

Extending from the lower right hand portion of the camming plate 214 in FIG. 5 is an elongated camming track section 216 terminating in an L-shaped portion 217 which is fixed to a frame cross member 218 spanning the side rails 200. The cross member 218 has a recess 218a (FIG. 58) therein for passing the rollers 210 and 211 as the chains 22 move forwardly of cross member 218.

The pusher mechanism 206 also includes a pair of follower rollers 220 and 222, mounted on the terminal ends of support blocks 224 which are fixed to the carrier rod 207 of the pusher mechanism 206. The follower roller 220 is transversely positioned to engage the camming member 215 and the follower roller 222 is transversely positioned to engage a cam plate 228 (FIG. 5A) having an upper front camming surface 229, which has a profile similar to that of the camming surface 213 of camming plate 214. The cam plate 228 has a lower elongated cam track 230 which extends for wardly substantially the distance between the sprockets 24 to maintain the pusher mechanism 206 in the extended position as it moves along the entire lower runs of the chains 22.

Thus, it may be seen that as the cam follower roller 210 of the pusher bar mechanism 204 engages the cam plate 215, the pusher bar mechanism will be cammed toward an operative loaf engaging position. The roller 211 subsequently engages the camming surface 213 of the plate 214 to maintain the pusher bar mechanism in this position as it negotiates the left hand-sprockets 24. The pusher bar mechanism 204 is maintained in this vertical position by the roller 211. engaging the camming track section 216. When the roller 211 reaches the L-shaped section 217 of the cam plate 214, the roller 211 will escape into the recess 217a provided by the L-shaped member 217 to permit the torsion springs (not shown) to return the pusher plate 209 on the pusher 204 from the position shown in chain lines as 204' to the retracted chain line position shown at 204' The pusher 206, on the other hand, is maintained in the extended operative position as it moves along the entire lower runs of the chains 22 until such time as it clears the cam plate 230 adjacent the right-hand sprockets 24 in FIG. 5. At this time, the torsion springs (not shown) return the pusher plate 209 on the pusher mechanism 206 to the retracted inoperative retracted position, as'illustrated in chain lines in FIG. 5.

A pusher drive motor M2R, which is mounted on one of the side rails 200, is connected with a gear box 230 having an output shaft 231 driving a sprocket 232 which has a chain 233 trained therearound for driving a sprocket 234 mounted on the front shaft 26 of the pusher assembly conveyor S to drive the chains 22 in an endless path of travel. A sprocket 235 mounted on the opposite end of the front shaft .26 drives a sprocket 236 mounted on the drive shaft 237 of a conventional Gemco cam operated switching mechanism J, supported on the opposite side rail 200. The switching mechanism J includes a plurality of cam operated switches which function in a manner to be more partic' ularly described hereinafter.

CONTROL CIRCUIT Referring now to FIGS. .11, 11A, 11B and 11C, the control circuit for operating the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 10 includes a pair of lines L1 and L2 connected across a suitable source of power, such as l 10- volt, 60-cycle alternating current. To facilitate the description of the circuit elements connected between the lines L1 and L2, the circuit lines and sub-circuit lines connected between the lines L1 and L2 have been designated L3 L65. The motor M for continuously operating the conveyor C is connected in line L3 across the lines L1 and L2. A photoelectric eye EEl (FIG. 6) is positioned on the first conveyor adjacent the turning member 34, is connected in line L4, and includes sets of contacts EElA (line L25) which are in the opened and closed positions when a beam 89 emanating from a light source surrounding the electric eye EEl is and is not, respectively, reflected by a reflector 90, positioned on the opposite side of the conveyor section E,. A photoelectric eye EE3, positioned on the conveyor downstream of the stop member 20, is connected in line L and includes a set of contacts EE3a (line L31) which are in the opened and closed positions when the beam 91 emanating from a light source surrounding the electric eye EH3 is and is not, respectively, by a reflector 92, positioned on the opposite side of the turn conveyor TC. Mounted adjacent the gate 18 at the end of the turn conveyor TC, and connected in circuit line L6, is a photoelectric eye EE4, including a set of contacts EE4a (line L52), which are in the open and closed positions, respectively, when the beam 93, emanating from a light source surrounding the photoelectric eye EE4, is and is not, respectively, reflected by a reflector 94, mounted on the opposite side of the conveyor turn section TC. The photoelectric eye EE4 also includes a set of contacts EE4b (line L53) which are in the closed and open positions, respectively, when the beam 93 is and is not, respectively reflected by the reflector 94.

A manually actuated, cam operated three-position row selecting switch, generally designated 100, has sets of contacts 100a and 100b which are both open when the switch is in a first of position. The set of contacts 100a (line L7) is connected in series with a relay IR, and is closed when the conventional switch 100 is in a second position. The second set of contacts 10% (line L8) is connected in series with a second relay 3R, and is open when the switch 100 is in the second position and closed when the switch is in a third position. In the third position, the contacts 100a are open. The one row control relay 1R, which is energized when the pattern is to consist of one row of loaves (see FIG. 12), includes sets of normally open contacts 1R1 (line L38), 1R3 (line L45), and 1R4 (line L50), and a set of normally closed contacts 1R2 (line L41) which are closed and opened, respectively, when the relay IR is energized. The three row relay 3R, which is energized when the pattern is to consist of three rows of loaves (see FIG. 14 for instance), includes a set of normally closed contacts 3R1 (line L33) and a set of normally open contacts 3R2 (line L40) which are opened and closed, respectively, when the relay 3R is energized. The system is also capable of forming a two row pattern as will later become apparent.

A manually actuated, cam operated three-position loaf turn selector switch, generally designated 102, is provided and includes a set of normally closed contacts 102a connected in series with a relay 21T, and a set of normally open contacts 1021; connected in series with a relay 22T.

In a first position of the conventional switch 102, the contacts 102a and 1021; are both in the open of position. In the second position of the switch 102, the

contacts 102!) remain open and contacts 102a are closed to actuate the relay 21T, which is energized to form a pattern which has a loaf in the second row turned In the third position of the switch 102, the contacts 102a are opened and the contacts 10211 are closed to energize the relay 22T, which is energized when it is desired to form a pattern which has two loaves in the second row turned 90, such as the pattern shown in FIG. 10.

The relay 21T includes a set of normally open contacts 21T1 (line L13) connected in series circuit with an electric eye EE2 positioned on the conveyor C, upstream of the second stop 32, and a set of normally open contacts 21T2 (line L16), which are closed when the relay 21T is energized. The electric eye EE2 includes a set of contacts EE2a (line L61) which are opened when the eye EE2 is not warmed up and when the beam 104, emanating from a source surrounding the photoelectric eye EE2, and reflected by the reflector 106 on the opposite side of the conveyor, is interrupted. The contacts EE2a are closed when the beam is not blocked. The photoelectric eye EE2 may be mounted on the stop 20 for movement therewith so that the beam 104 is not interrupted until the stop 20 is lowered. The relay E2R (line L61) is connected in series with the contacts E2a and includes sets of normally closed contacts E2R1, E2R2, E2R4 connected in lines L35, L42 and L56, respectively, which are opened when the relay E2R is energized! The relay E2R also includes a set of normally open contacts E2R3 in line L46 which is closed when the relay E2R is energized.

The relay 22T (line L10) includes sets of normally open contacts 22T1, 22T2, 22T3 and 22T5, connected in lines L17, L26, L29 and L42 which are closed when the relay 22T is energized. The relay 22T includes normally closed sets of contacts 22T4 and 22T6 connected in lines L35 and L56, respectively, which are opened when the relay 22T is energized.

Another manually actuated cam operated threeposition, loaf turn selector switch, generally designated 103, includes a set of normally closed contacts 103a (line L11), connected in circuit with a relay 31T, which is energized when it is desired to form a pattern which has one loaf in the third row turned 90 and a set of normally open contacts 103b '(line L12), connected in series with the relay 32T, which is energized when it is desired to form a pattern which has two loaves in the third row turned 90. When the. conventional selector switch 103 is in the off or first position, neither of the sets of contacts 103a or 103b are closed. When the selector switch 103 is in its second position, the contacts 103!) remain open while contacts 103a close to energize the relay 31T, and when the relay 103 is in its third position, the contacts 103a are opened and contacts 103b are closed to energize the relay 32T. The manually actuated cam operated switches 100, 102 and 103 may suitably comprise switches such as type 102501" manufactured by Cutler Hammer Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The relay 31T (line L11) includes sets of normally open contacts 31Tl and 31T2 connected in lines L14 and L19, respectively, and a set of normally closed contacts 31T3, connected in line L48, which are closed and opened respectively when the relay 31T is energized. The relay contacts 31 T1 are shown in line L14 connected in parallel with the contacts 21T1. The relay 32T includes a set of normally open contacts 32T1,

connected in line L20, and sets of normally closed contacts 32T2 and 32T3, connected in lines L36 and L57, respectively, and which are respectively closed and opened when the relay 32T is energized.

The Gemco cam operated switching mechanism J includes a plurality of cams G1, G2, G3 and G4 (FIG. 11c) for selectively opening and closing switches SlB, 82B, 83B and 54B, connected in circuit lines L62, L63, L64 and L65, respectively, in series with the relays 81R, 82R, 83R and 84R, respectively. A time sequence table is illustrated in FIG. 23 to diagrammatically illustrate the relative opening and closing of the cam operated switches.

The relay SlR includes sets of normally open contacts S1R1 and S1R3, connected in lines L32 and L60, respectively, and a set of normally closed contacts S1R2 which is connected in line L54, and which are closed and opened, respectively, when the relay SIR is energized. The relay 82R includes sets of normally open contacts S2R1, S2R2, S2R3 and S2R4, connected in lines L25, L26, L28 and L40, respectively, and which are closed when the relay S2R is energized. The relay S3R includes sets of normally open contacts S3R1, S3R2, S3R4 and S3R6, which are connected in lines L32, L34, L44 and L60 respectively, and which are closed when the relay 83R is energized. The relay 83R also includes sets of normally closed contacts,

' S3R3 and S3R5, which are connected in lines L40 and L55, respectively, and which are opened when the relay 83R is energized. The relay 84R includes a set of normally opened contacts, S4Rl, connected in line L31, and a set of normally closed contacts, S4R2, connected in line L52, and which are closed and opened, respectively, when the relay S4R is energized. As shown in FIG. 23, the cam operated switches 82B, 83B and 84B are initially closed to maintain the relays 82R, 83R and S4R energized during the initial portion of the cycle, but are subsequently opened to sequentially deenergize these relays. The cam operated switches SIB, 83A, and 84A are initially open and subsequently close at various predetermined times during the cycle of operation of the pusher assembly P.

Connected in circuit with the contacts EElA (line L25) and EE3A (line L31) of the photoelectric eyes EEl and E133, are the counting coils of four electrically operated pulse counters C1, C2, C3 and C4, connected in lines L25, L26, L28 and L31, respectively. The counters C1C4 are of the type which do not count or index until the counting coils have been initially energized and then subsequently deenergized. As will be later described more fully, the counters are energized and deenergized in response to the passage of loaves along the conveyor C to interrupt the beams 89 and 91 of the electric eyes EE] and EE3. Each time a loaf passes through the beam 89 of the photoelectric eye EEl, the contacts EEla open to deenergize and step any of the counters C1-C3 which were immediately previously energized. Similarly, when the beam 93 is interrupted, the contacts EE3a (line L31) open to deenergize the counter C4. A digital counter of the rotary leaf wiping contact type manufactured by Durant Digital instruments, at Cutler Hammer Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, such as that known as the Durant Unipulser, has been found suitable for this purpose.

The counters C1-C4 may be adjusted so as to be reset after a predetermined number of bread loaves B, which are to comprise the pattern, have been counted.

In addition, each of the counters C1-C4 has adjustable mechanism (not shown) which may include manually operable uniset switches which are adjustable to a plurality of different positions, depending on the number of loaves to be grouped in each row, connected in circuit with movable unipulser switching devices which are stepped to various positions in response to the counting pulses passing through the respective counting coils. After a predetermined number of loaves have been counted, the movable unipulser switch will have been stepped to a position so as to complete the circuit from the power source through its associated.uniset switch to energize one of the relays, e.g. relay CIR in line L15. For purposes of convenience, this cooperating, manually movable uniset switch and unipulser stepping switching apparatus will be referred to generally as a set of contacts bearing the designation of the respective counter with a letter subscript. For example, when the counting coil of the counter C1 has been pulsed, i.e., energized and deenergized, the sufiicient number of predetermined times (i.e., ten), the contacts Cla in line L15 will close to energize a relay, for example, the relay CIR. The contacts C1a will remain closed until the counter is manually reset by opening the reset switch RE, which includes normally closed sets of contacts REl, RE2, RE3, and RE4 in circuit lines L25, L26, L28 and L31.

The relay ClR (line L15) includes sets of normally open contacts C1R2, C1R3 and C1R5, connected in lines L26, L34 and L44, and which are closed when the relay CIR is energized. The relay ClR also includes sets of normally open contacts, C1R2 and C1R4, which are connected in lines L25 and L41, respectively, and which are opened when the relay (CIR is energized.

The counter C2 (line L26) includes sets of normally open contacts C2a, C2b and C20 connected in lines L16, L17 and L18, respectively, and which close when the counter C2 has been energized and deenergized with a predetermined number of stepping pulses. The contacts C2a, C2b and C2c will remain closed until the counter C2 is reset. The counter C3 (line L28) includes sets of normally open contacts C3a, C3b and C30 connected in lines L19, L20, and L21, respectively, and which are closed when the counter C3 counts a predetermined number of loaves, as determined by the energizing and deenergizing stepping pulses applied thereto. When closed, the contacts C30, C3b and C30 will remain closed until the counter C3 is reset. The contacts C3c only close when a full complement of loaves, such as five, are to be provided in the third row.

The counter C4 (line L31) includes a set of normally open contacts C4a (line L22) which are closed when the counter C4 counts a predetermined number of loaves, as determined by the energizing and deenergizing stepping pulses applied thereto, When the contacts C4a close, the relay C4R, connected in series circuit therewith in line L22, is energized. The contacts C4a L29, L35, L46 and L56, respectively, and which are closed when the relay C21T is energized.

The sets of normally open contacts C2b and 22T1 are connected in series circuit relation with a relay C22T in line L17 across the lines L1 and L2. The relay C22T includes sets of normally open contacts C22T2, C22T3, C22T5, C22T6 and C22T7, connected in lines L30, L36, L48, L54 and L58, respectively, and which are closed when the relay C22T is energized. The relay C22T also includes sets of normally closed contacts, C22T1 and C22T4, connected in lines L26 and L42, respectively, and which are opened when the relay C22T is energized.

The normally open contacts C2c are connected in series circuit relation with the relay C2R in line L18. The relay C2R includes a set of normally closed contacts C2R1, connected in line L26, which is opened when the relay C2R is energized. The relay C2R also includes sets of normally open contacts C2R2, C2R3 and C2R4, connected in lines L28, L34 and L44, respectively, and which are closed when the relay C2R is energized.

The sets of normally open contacts C30 and 31T2 are connected in series circuit relation with a relay C31T in line L19. The relay C31T includes sets of normally open contacts C31T1, C31T3, C31T4, C31T5, connected in lines L36, L43 and L49 and L57 respectively, and which are closed when the relay C31T is energized. The relay C31T also includes a set of normally closed contacts C31T2, connected in line L40, which is opened when the relay C31T is energized.

The relay C32T in line L includes sets of normally open contacts C32Tl, C32T3, C32T4 and C32T5, connected in lines L37, L47, L55 and L59, respectively, and which are closed when the relay C32T is energized. The relay C32T also includes a set of normally closed contacts C32T2 in line L40, which is opened when the relay C32T is energized.

The set of normally open contacts C is connected in series circuit with the relay C3R in line L21. The relay C3R includes normally open sets of contacts C3R] and C3R3, connected in lines L and L45, respectively, and which are closed when the relay C3R is energized. The relay C3R includes a set of normally closed contacts C3R2 which is connected in line L40, and which is opened when the relay C3R is energized. Connected in series in line L22 is the set of normally open contacts C4a, and a relay C4R, including sets of normally open contacts C4Rl, C4R3, C4R5, C4R6, connected in lines L34, L42, L51 and L54 respectively, and which are closed when the relay C4R is energized. The relay C4R also includes sets of normally closed contacts, C4R2 and C4R4, connected in lines L41 and L47, respectively, and which are opened when the relay C4R is energized.

Connected in line L23 is a direct current power supply, designated PS, which is commercially available and may suitably comprise a fullwave rectifier and suitable ripple filters (not shown) for providing a substantially constant, direct current output voltage across the lines L1 and L2. Connected in series across the lines L1 and L2 in line L25 are the previously mentioned sets of normally closed contacts EEla and ClRl, the closed contacts RE] of the reset switch RE, the set of normally opened contacts S2R1, and the count coil of the counter C1.

At the start of the sweep cycle, the contacts S2Rl are closed, as illustrated in FIG. 21, to provide a closed circuit to the count coil of the counter Cl. When a loaf of bread passes through the beam 89, the contacts EEla will close and, as the bread passes beyond the beam 89, the contacts EElA will open to index the counter C1 one step. When the predetermined number, i.e., five, of loaves have passed through the beam 89 to close and open the contacts EElA five times, the contacts Cla in line L15 will close. Also connected in cir cuit with the contacts EEla, at the junction (line L25), is a series circuit (line L26) including the sets of normally closed contacts C2R1, C22T1 and RE2, the sets of normally open contacts C1R2, 22T2 and S2R2, and the count coil of the counter C2. The set of normally closed contacts C21T1 in line L27 is connected in parallel with the set of contacts 22T2.

Also connected between the junction 110 and the line L2 is a series circuit (line L28) including the sets of normally open contacts C2R2 and S2R3, the normally closed reset contacts RE3, and the count coil of the counter C3. Connected in parallel with the sets of contacts C2R2 and S2R3, is a first circuit in line L29, including the sets of normally open contacts 22T3 and C2lT2, and a second circuit in line L30, including a set of normally open contacts C22T2.

Connected across the lines L1 and L2 in line L31 is the set of contacts EE3a, which are closed when the eye beam 91 is interrupted, the normally open set of contacts S4R1, the normally closed reset contacts RE4,

and the count coil of the counter C4.

The sweep driving motor M2R (line L32) for driving the sweep pusher mechanisms 204 and 206 in an endless path of travel is connected in series with the sets of normally open contacts SlRl and S3R1. The normally closed set of contacts 3R1 (line L33) is connected in parallel with the set of contacts S3R1 between the junctions 111 and 112.

Connected between the line L1 and the junction 112, for energizing the sweep motor M2R, is a series circuit, illustrated in line L34, including the sets of normally open contacts C1R3, C4Rl, C2R3 and S3R2.

Connected in parallel with the set of contacts C2R3 between the junctions 113 and 114 is a series circuit in line L35 including sets of normally closed contacts 22T4 and E2Rl, and the set of normally open contacts C21T3. Also connected across the contacts C2R3 in line L36 is the set of normally open contacts C22T3. Connected in parallel with the contacts S3R2, b etween the junctions 114 and 115, is a first parallelly connected circuit, in line L35, including the normally open set of contacts C3Rl, a second parallelly connected circuit, in line L36, including the normally open set of contacts C31T1, and the set of normally closed contacts 32T2, and a third parallelly connected circuit, in line L37, including the set of normally open contacts C32T1. Connected between the junction 116 in line L34 and the junction 112, is the set of normally open contacts 1R1 which is closed, when the one-row" relay 1R in line L8 is energized.

A circuit for opening or raising the first gate G from a loaf blocking position to a nonblocking position is illustrated in line L40 and includes the retracting solenoid GlU of the double acting cylinder G1 for directing air, under pressure, to the cylinder G1 in such manner as to raise the cross bar 76 to an unblocking, open position which permits loaves to pass thereunder. The raise solenoid GlU is connected in series with the sets of normally open contacts S2R4 and 3R2 and the sets of normally closed contacts S3R3, C31T2, C32T2 and C3R2.

The solenoid TPl for directing air, under pressure, to the cylinder T? in such a manner as to cause the cylinder piston rod 75 to raise the transfer plate 54 from the lowered position illustrated in chain lines in FIG. 2 to the inoperative position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 2, is connected in parallel with the solenoid GlU and is simultaneously energized therewith to swing the plate 54 upwardly when the stop cross bar 76 is moved upwardly to permit loaves to proceed on the conveyor C. The junction of the contacts S2R4 and S3R3 (line L40), and the junction of the contacts C3R2 and the solenoid GlU, are designated 116 and 117, respectively. Connected between the junctions 116 and 117, is a first parallelly connected circuit in line L41, including the set of normally closed contacts ClR4 and a second parallelly connected circuit, in line L42, including the sets of normally open contacts 22T5 and C4R3, and the sets of normally closed contacts C22T4 and E2R2. The set of contacts E2R2 close when bread interrupts the eye beam 104, and then opens when the beam is transmitted without interruption. Connected in parallel with the set of contacts C22T4, is the set of normally open contacts C31T3 in line L43. Connected between the junction 117 in line L40 and the line L2 is a series circuit including the normally closed sets of contacts 1R2 and C4R2 and the solenoid G2U for directing air, under pressure, to the gate control cylinder G2 in such a manner as to raise the second gate upwardly from a bread loaf blocking position to a nonblocking position to permit the bread loaves B to pass thereunder.

Connected between the junction 116' in line L40, and the line L2, is a series circuit, in line L44, including the sets of normally open contacts ClRS, S3R4 and C2R4, and the gate lowering solenoid GlD which, when energized, is operable to move the crossbar 76 downwardly to a blocking position for interrupting the flow of bread loaves on the conveyor C. Connected in parallel with the gate lowering solenoid 61B, is a turn plate lowering solenoid TP2 for directing air, under pressure, to the cylinder TP in such a manner as to move the transfer plate 54 from the raised position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to the lowered position shown in chain lines in FIG. 2. The junctions between the sets of contacts C1R5 and S3R4, between the sets of contacts S3R4 and C2R4, and between the set of contacts C2R4 and the solenoid 61B, are designated 118, 119 and 120, respectively. Connected in parallel with the contacts S3R4, between the junctions 118 and 119, are three parallel circuits, including one parallel circuit in line L45 with the normally open set of contacts C3R3, a second parallel circuit in line L46 including the normally open set of. contacts C31T3, and a third parallel circuit in line L47 including a normally open set of contacts C32T4. Connected in parallel with the set of contacts C2R4 between the junctions 119 and 120 are three parallel circuits in lines L45 and L46 and L48. The first parallel circuit including the normally open set of contacts 1R3 in line 45. The second parallel circuit includes the set of nonnally open contacts C21T4 in line L46, connected in series with the parallel circuit comprising the normally open set of contacts E2113 and the set of normally closed contacts C4R4. The third parallel circuit includes the normally open contacts C22T5 in line L48, connected in series with the parallelcircuit comprising the nonnally closed contacts 31T3 in line L48 and the normally open con tacts C31T4 in line L49. The closing and opening of the relay contacts in lines L44 through L49 will depend upon the positions of the switches 100, 102 and 103 in lines L7 L12.

The gate lowering solenoid G2D for directing air, under pressure, to the cylinder G2 in such a manner as to move the second gate 20 downwardly from a nonblocking position to a bread loaf blocking position, is connected in series with the normally open set of contacts 1R4 (line L50). The normally open set of contacts C4R5 is connected in parallel with the set of contacts 1R4 as shown in Line L51.

The gate or stop member 18, adjacent the discharge end of the turn conveyor TC, is movable from a raised position to a lowered position by the double acting, solenoid actuated, pneumatic cylinder G3 which includes a solenoid G3U for directing air, under pressure, to the cylinder in such a manner as to move the third gate or stop member 18 upwardly to a raised inoperable position, and a solenoid G3D which, when energized, is operable to direct air, under pressure, to the cylinder G3 in such a manner as to move the gate 18 downwardly to a bread loaf blocking position. The raise solenoid G3U is connected in line L52 in series with the nor mally closed contacts S4R2 and the set of contacts EE4a which is closed when the beam 93 is interrupted by loaves passing therethrough. The relay contacts I S4R2 are opened when the relay S4R is energized. The

solenoid G3D (line L53) is connected in series with the contacts EE4b across the lines L1 and L2, the contacts EE4b being opened when the beam 93 is blocked. As will be later described, the third gate 18 prevents the loaves (such as loaves B1 BS) from moving from the turn conveyor TC onto the discharge apron 14 until the loaves previously discharged onto the apron have been removed therefrom by the sweep pusher assembly S. The third gate 18 is moved from the blocking position when the sweep pusher assembly S is driven to open the Gemco cam operated switch contacts S4B (line L65) which deenergizes the relay S4R, thereby closing the contacts S4R2 (line L52) to energize the gate raising solenoid G3U and raise the gate 18 as the previous loaves designated B1 through B5 are moved off the discharge plate 14 by the sweep S to permit the loaves B1 B5 to pass onto the discharge apron 14, When the loaves B1 through B5, at the third gate 18, have been moved onto the discharge apron 14, the photoelectric eye contacts EE4b (line L53) close to energize the gate lowering solenoid 63D to move the stop 18 downwardly to the blocking position.

For directing air to the loaf turn cylinder LT1 so as to' turn the turning plate 54 of the first loaf turner mechanism through in the direction of the arrow b (FIG. 7), a solenoid LTla, in line L54, is provided and is connected in series circuit with the normally open sets of contacts C4R6 and C22T6 and the set of normally closed contacts S1R2. The junctions between the sets of contacts C4R6 and S1R2, between the sets of contacts S1R2 and C22T6, and between the set of contacts C22T6 and the solenoid LTla are designated 121,122 and 123, respectively. Connected between the junction 121 and the junction 123 is a series circuit in line L55, including the set of normally closed contacts S3R5 and the set of normally open contacts C32T5.

Connected between the junction 122 (line L54) and the line L2 is a series circuit in line L56 comprising the sets of normally closed contacts 22T6, and E2R4, the set of normally open contacts C21T5, and the loaf turner extend solenoid LT2a which, when energized, is operable to direct air to the cylinder LT2 in such a manner as to turn the stop plate 38 in the direction of the arrow a to move a loaf such as B6, positioned thereagainst, through 90. Connected in parallel with the sets of contacts 22T6 and C21T5, between the junction 122 and the junction 124, is the set of normally open contacts C22T7. Connected between the junction 124 in line L55, and the junction 124 in line L56, is a series circuit comprising the set of normally closed contacts 32T3 and the set of normally open contacts C31T5. Connected in parallel with the contacts 32T3 and C31T5, is a set of normally open contacts C32T5.

The retract solenoid LT2b (line L60) for directing air, under pressure, to the load turn control cylinder LT2 in such a manner as to retract the turning plate 38 from the chain line position shown in FIG. 1 to the full line position, also shown in FIG. 1, is connected in se ries with the sets of normally open contacts S1R3 and S3R6 in line L60. The contacts S3R6 are initially closed. Shortly after the sweep pusher assembly S starts to move, the contacts S1R3 (line L60) close to energize the solenoid LT2b to retract the loaf turner rod 46, and shortly thereafter the contacts S3R6 open, when the cam operated switch contacts 833 (line L64) open, to deenergize the retract solenoid LT2b.

THE PATTERNS Various patterns which can be formed with the pattern forming apparatus are shown schematically in FIGS. 12-22. The first pattern which is illustrated in FIG. 12 and is designated 1R, comprises a single row of a predetermined number of loaves B positioned sideby-side. The second pattern which is shown in FIG. 13 and is designated 2R, includes a pair of rows 126 and 127, each having a predetermined number of loaves positioned side-by-side with the tails of the loaves in each row in inside position in the pattern in abutting relation with the tails on the loaves in the other row. The third pattern, which is shown in FIG. 14, is designated 3R, and includes two rows 126' and 127 of loaves B, similar to the rows 126 and 127 shown in FIG. 13, and a third row 128 of loaves B having the tails thereon inabutting relation with the loaves of bread in the row 127. The fourth loaf pattern, which is shown in FIG. 15 and is designated 1R1, comprises a single row 129 of a predetermined number of loaves B in sideby-side relation, and a second row comprising a single loaf 130 turned 90 relative to the loaves in the row 129. The fifth pattern, which is shown in FIG. 16 and is designated 1R2, includes a first row 129' and a second row comprising a pair of loaves 130' and 131' having their tails in abutting relation. The sixth pattern, which is illustrated in FIG. 17 and designated 2R1, is similar to that shown in FIG. 13, and has two rows 126" and 127", and in addition a third row comprising a single load 130" turned 90 relative to the loaves in the rows 126" and 127". The seventh pattern, which is illustrated in FIG. 18 and designated 2R2, is similar to that shown in FIG. 17, with the addition of a second loaf 132 in the third row having its tail in abutting relation with the tail of the loaf 130". The pattern shown in FIG. 19 is designated 2R2 and is similar to that shown in FIG. 16 with the addition of a third row 133 having a predetermined number of loaves positioned so that the tails thereof are in abutting relation with the tails of the loaves 131' and The pattern illustrated in FIG. 20, is similar to the fourth pattern illustrated in FIG. 15, but includes a third row 134 of loaves B having the tails thereof in opposing relation with the tails of the loaves in row 129'. The pattern designated 1R1 in FIG. 21 is similar to the 1R1 pattern illustrated in FIG. 15, but includes a third row 135 comprising a single load extending parallel to the single loaf in the second row. The pattern designated 1R2 in FIG. 22 is similar to the 1R2 pattern in FIG. 16 but includes a third row 137 having a pair of loaves 138 extending parallelly to the loaves in the second row and positioned so that their tails are in abutting relation.

THE OPERATION The number of rows to comprise the pattern is dependent upon the position of the selector switch 100. In one position the contacts 100a are closed and the contacts 100b are opened so that the pattern forming apparatus will form a one row pattern, as shown in FIG. 12. When the switch 100 is moved to another position so that the contacts 100a and 10012 are both open, the apparatus will form a pattern having two rows, such as illustrated in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16. When the switch 100 is moved to yet another position to close the contacts 100b and keep the contacts 100a open, the pattern forming apparatus will form a pattern with three rows such as shown in FIGS. 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

In describing the operation of the various components to form any pattern illustrated, it will be assumed that the sweep S has just finished moving a previous group of loaves off the discharge plate 14 so that the cam operated switching contacts S4B was opened to deenergize the relay 84R and close the contacts S4R2 (line L52), to energize the gate raising cylinder G3U to raise the gate 18 and permit the five loaves B1 B5 in FIG. 6 to move from a reserve position forwardly adjacent the gate 18 to the full line position on discharge plate 14 against the stop 16. With the contacts 100b closed and contacts 100a open, and contacts 102b closed to permit formation of pattern 2R2 (FIG. 19), the light beam 93 associated with the photoelectric eye EE4 will be interrupted to close and open the contacts EE4a and EE4b in lines L52 and L53, respectively, to energize the gate lowering solenoid G3D and open the gate raising solenoid G3U to move the gate 18 to a loaf blocking position. The closed contacts 1001), in line L8, permit the three-row relay 3R to be energized to open the contacts 3R1 (line L33) and close contacts 3R2 (line L40). The closed contacts 102b, in line L10, permit the relay 22T to be energized to close the contacts 22T1, 22T2, 22T3, and 22T5 in lines L17, L26, L29 and L42 and open contacts 22T4 and 22T6 in lines L35 and L56. At the time the sweep pusher assembly S was returned to its start or rear position, the cam operated contacts 52B, 83B and $48 in lines L63, L64 and L65 were closed to energize the relays 82R, 83R and S4R'. When the relay 83R is energized, the contacts S3Rl, S3R2, S3R4, and S3R6 in lines L32, L34, L44 and L60, respectively, are closed and the contacts S3R3 and S3R5 in lines L40 and L55, respectively, are opened. When the relay S4R is energized, the "normally open contacts S4R1 and normally closed contacts S4R2 in lines L31 and L52 are closed and opened,-respectively.

When the relay S2R is energized, the normally open contacts S2Rl S2R4 in lines L25, L26, L28 and L40,

respectively, are closed. The gate raising solenoid G1U (line L40), for raising the first gate G, and the turn plate raising solenoid TF1 (line L39), for raising the loaf turning plate 54, will be energized through the closed contacts S2R4 (line L40) and C1R4 (line L41) to raise the first gate G and the turning plate 54 to permit loaves to proceed broadsidely along the conveyor C. The first five bread loaves to proceed beyond the first blocking gate G after the sweep S has moved the previous group of loaves off the discharge plate are designated B1 B and proceed crosswisely on the conveyor section D at a predetermined speed until they reach the conveyor section E, on which they are moved forwardly at a higher lineal speed to be spaced out on the conveyor section E, for example, at approximately 6 inch intervals. Each time a loaf passes through the beams 89 and 91 of the photoelectric eyes EE] and EE3, respectively, the contacts EEIA and EE3A close and open to index the counters C1 and C4, respectively.

After the fifth loaf B5 has passed through the beam 89 of the electric eye E131, and upon deactuation of the counter coil C1 for the fifth time, the set of contacts C1a in line L will close to actuate the relay CIR, thereby opening the normally closed contacts ClRl in line L25 to prevent any further pulsing of the counter Cl and closing the set of normally open contacts C1R2 in line L26 to provide a current path for energizing the count coil of the counter C2. The set of contacts C1R3 in line L34 also close, providing power to the junction 116. The set of normallyclosed contacts C1R4 in line L41 also open to prevent current fiow therethrough and the normally open contacts C1R5 in line L44 close to provide power to the junction 118.

As the fifth loaf B5 proceeds through the light beam 91 of eye E133, the counter C4 is operable to close the contacts C4a in line L22 to energize the relay C4R which closes the normally open contacts C4R1, C4R3, C4R5 and C4R6 in lines L34, L42, L51 and L54, respectively, and opens the normally closed contacts C4R2 and C4R4 in lines L41 and L47. When the contacts C4113 in line L42 close, the first gate raising solenoid GllU is maintained energized to hold the first gate G in the raised position.

The opening of the normally closed set of contacts C4R2 in line L41 deenergizes the second gate raising cylinder G2U and the closing of the set of contacts C4R5 in line L51 energizes the second gate lowering solenoid G2D to move the second gate downwardly to the loaf interrupting position. When the set of closed contacts C4R6 in line L54 close, power is provided to the junctions 120 and 122. As the stop plate assembly 20 is lowered, the next load B6 proceeding on the conveyor C will come into contact with the loaf interrupting plate 38. Since the eye EE32 is not connected in circuit, the set of contacts EE2a in line L61 is open to maintain the relay E2R deenergized, and the sets of contacts E2R1, E2R2 and E2R4 in lines L35, L42 and L56, respectively remain closed, and the set of contacts E2R3 in line L46 remain open.

As the following loaf B7 passes through the light beam 89 of 'the electric eye EEll, the second counter C2 is operableto close the contacts C2b in line L17 to energize the relay C221. The set of contacts C2c, which are closed every time a full complement of loaves, such as five, are to be provided in the second row, remain open and are not closed.

The energization of the relay C22T is operable to open the contacts C22T1 in line L26 to deenergize the counter C2, and close the contacts C22T2 in line L30 to provide a current path through the count coil of the counter C3. The contacts C22T4 in line L42 also open to deenergize the raise solenoid G1U, and the contacts C22T5 in line L48 close to provide a current path from the junction 119 in line L44 through the contacts C22T5, and the contacts 31T3 to the junction (line L44) to energize the gate lowering solenoid (31D which lowers the first gate G to prevent the further passage of loaves B on the conveyor C. Simultaneously, the solenoid TF2 (line L43) is energized to lower the turn plate 54 downwardly from the raising position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 to the lowered line position shown in chain lines in FIG. 1. As the sets of contacts C22T6 and C22T7 in lines L54 and L58, respectively, are closed, the solenoids LT1A and LT2A in lines L54 and L56, operating the first and second loaf turners 54 and 46 are simultaneously energized to swing the turners 54 and 46 so as to move the loaves B6 and B7 from the broadsidely disposed positions shown in chain lines in FIG. 1 to the longitudinally disposed positions shown in FIG. 7.

As the loaf turning members 54 and 46 move the loaves B6 and B7 to the solid line positions shown in FIG. 8, the contacts C22T3, in line L36, which have also been closed, as previously noted, provide a current path from the junction 1 13 to the junction 114 through the contacts S3R2 to energize the sweep motor M2R and move the sweep bar mechanism 204 forwardly to move the loaves B5 and B6 from their conveyor supported positions (shown in solid lines in FIG. 8) to their bridging plate supported line positions (shown in chain lines in FIG. 8) on the bridging plate 28. A short time after the sweep motor M2R is energized, the cam G1 operates to close the set of switching contacts SIB in line L62 to energize the relay SIR which is operable to close the set of contacts S1R1 in line L32 to assure that circuit continuity through the motor M2R is maintained, and to open the set of contacts S1R2 in line L54 to deenergize solenoid LTla and permit the loaf turning plate 54 to be spring returned in a direction opposite to the direction designated by arrow b, from the turned position illustrated in chain lines in FIG. 1 to the start position. illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 1. The opening of the contacts S1R2 also deenergizes the sole noid LT2a. The set of contacts S1R3 in line L60 are simultaneously closed to energize the retract solenoid LT2b to return the second loaf tu'ming member 46 to its original starting position.

Shortly thereafter, the cam G3 moves the switching contacts 838 in line L64 to the open position to deenergize the relay 83R which opens the sets of contacts S3R1 and S3R2 in lines L32 and L34 to temporarily de energize the sweep motor M2R when the pusher assembly 204 is approximately in the position shown at 204 in FIG. 5 so that the follower roller 211 may escape into the recess 217a (FIG. 5) and permit the torsion spring biased pusher plate assembly 204 to assume the position shown at 204". The relay S3R, when deenergized, opens the contacts S3R4 in line L44 and closes the contacts S3R3 in line L40 to energize the gate raising solenoid GlU in line L40 to raise the first gate G to its raised nonblocking position and to energize the retract solenoid TPll to swing the transfer plate 54 to its raised position while deenergizing the first gate lowering solenoid GlD in line L44. The set of contacts S3R5 in line L55 and contacts S3R6 in line L60 are also opened to assure that the solenoid LT2b is not energized.

As the solenoid GlU moves the gate G upwardly, the next five loaves B8 B12 move along the conveyor C. As the loaf B12 passes through the light beam 89, the counter C3 is deactuated for the fifth time to close the set of contacts C3c, connected in circuit with relay C3R in line L21, to close the contacts C3R1 in line L35 to complete the circuit from junction 114 in line L34, which is at the potential of line L1, to junction 115 in line L34 to again energize the sweep motor M2R to cause the second, now vertical, sweep bar mechanism 206 to move the loaves B8 B12 off the conveyor C. The sweep bar mechanism is maintained vertical along the lower run of the endlessly driven, pusher support chains 22 by the follower roller 222 riding along the underside of the longitudinal camming bar 230 extending the length of the lower runs of endless conveyor chains 22. When the relay C3R is energized, the set of contacts C3R3 in line L45 close to complete the circuit from the junction 118 to the contacts 119 in line L44 to energize the gate G lowering solenoid GlD to temporarily block the further passage of loaves B on the conveyor. The sweep bar 204, in the position shown at 204", passes over the loaves B6 and B7, while the second sweep assembly 206 continues in the extended vertical position to move the loaves B8 B12 to a position of engagement with the loaves B6 and B7 on the plate 28. The pusher bar assembly 206 then advances the loaves B6 B12 into engagement with the loaves B1 B5 on the plate 14, and finally pushes the entire group of loaves Bl'-B5' and B6 B12 off the discharge apron'l4. As soon as the loaves have cleared the conveyor section E, the cam G4 is operative to open the contacts S4B in line L65 to deenergize the relay S4R and close the contacts S4R2 in line L52 to energize the gate raising solenoid G3U and raise the third gate 18 so that the turn conveyor TC moves the next five loaves B1 B5 into position on the discharge apron 14. The sweep drive motor M2R continues to move the pusher bar assemblies 204 and 206 until they are returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 23 and the cycle can then be repeated.

If the one row pattern designated 1R" in FIG. 12 is to be formed, the switches 102 and 103 are moved to the off position and the switch 100 is moved to its first position so that only the contacts 100a in line L7 are closed to energize the relay 1R which closes the contacts 1R4 (line L50) to energize the advance solenoid G2D to lower the second gate G2. In this instance, none of the loaves are permitted to move onto the turn conveyor section TC to a reserve position adjacent the third gate 18. The contacts 1R3 in line L45 and the contacts 1R1 in line L38 also close when relay IR is energized. The counter C1 is set to close the contacts Cla (line L15) after five loaves have passed through the light beam 89 of the eye EE] and energize the relay v ClR to open the contacts C1R1 (line L25) to deenergize the counter C1. The contacts ClR3 (line L34) also close to complete the circuit from the line L1 through the contacts 1R1 to the sweep motor M2R. The contacts CIRS (line L44) also close to energize the solenoid GlD through the closed contacts S3R4 and 1R3 to lower the first gate G to the loaf interrupting position. The motor M2R will sweep the five loaves grouped against the second gate 20 off the conveyor, across the plate 28, and onto the discharge conveyor I.

In forming the pattern designated 2R in FIG. 13, the switches 100, 102, and 103 all remain in the of position. It will again be presumed that the sweep S has just finished moving a previous group of loaves off the discharge plate 14, and that five loaves, such as the loaves designated B1 B5, which were halted by the third gate 18, were moved onto the discharge plate 14 to form a row 126 as soon as the proceeding group was swept off the plate 14. The first and second gates G and 20 respectively, are initially in their raised positions to permit loaves to pass from the conveyor C to the turn conveyor TC. The counter C1 operates, as previously described, after five loaves, such as loaves Bl-BS, have passed through the beam 89. The counter C4 is also set to close the contacts C4A in line L22 and energize the relay C4R after the five loaves Bl-BS have passed through the light beam 91 of the photoelectric eye EE3 onto the turn conveyor section TC to provide a reserve group of loaves adjacent the stop 18 for forming the next group of loaves. The contacts C4R5 in line L51 close to actuate the advance solenoid G2D for lowering the second gate 20 to the loaf blocking position. The counter C2 is set to close the contacts CZ'C, after the next five loaves have passed along the conveyor C through the photoelectric beam 89, to energize the relay C2R in line L18, thereby opening the normally closed contacts C2R1 (line L26) to deenergize the counter C2, close the contacts C2R2 (line L28) to energize the counter C3, close the contacts C2R3 in line L34, and close the contacts C2R4 in line L44 to energize the solenoid GlD and lower the first gate G to block the further passage of loaves on the conveyor C. The passage of the five loaves, which have just passed through the photoelectric beam 89, will be interrupted by the second gate 20 to form a second row of loaves 127 (FIG. 12). The contacts C4R1 (line L34) then close to actuate the sweep motor M2R which drives the sweep S so as to sweep the five loaves, which form the row 127 and are grouped against the second gate 20, off the conveyor C and into engagement with the five loaves Bl'-B5 which form the row 126 and have been deposited on the plate 14. The entire group of loaves including rows 126 and 127 is then swept onto the discharge conveyor.

To form the three row pattern designated 3R" in FIG. 14, the contacts 1003 in line L8 are closed to energize the relay 3R while the switches 102 and 103 remain in the off position. The energization of relay 3R opens the contacts 3R1 in line L33 and closes the normally open contacts 3R2 in line L40. After a previous group of loaves has been swept off the discharge plate 14, the third gate 18 18 will raise to permit a group of five loaves, such as Bl B5 which were halted by the gate 18, to pass onto the discharge plate 14 to provide a row 126 (FIG. 14). The counter Cl operates as described hereinbefore, after five loaves (such as loaves B1- B5) have passed through the beam 89. AFter five loaves 81-85 have passed through the eye beam 91 of the eye EE3 onto the turn conveyor section TC to provide a reserve group of loaves to be used in forming the first row of the next group to be formed, the counter C4 closes the contacts C4R5 to energize the advance solenoid G2D to lower the second gate 20 to the loaf interrupting position. After the next five loaves have passed through the beam 89, the counter C2 operates to close the contacts C2c (line L18) and energize the relay C2R which closes the contacts C2R4 in line L44 and completes the circuitto the advance solenoid G1D for lowering the first gate to loaf interrupting position. The passage of the five loaves which just passed through the beam 89 is interrupted by the second gate 20 to form the second row 127 of the 3R" pattern. The contacts C2R3 (line L34) are also closed to energize the sweep conveyor motor M2R which drives the sweep S so as to move the second row 1271 of loaves onto the bridge plate 28. When the cam operated contacts S3B (line L63) open, the relay 53R is deenergized and contacts S3R2 (line L34) open to deenergize the motor M2R. Simultaneously the contacts S3R4 in line L44 are opened to deenergize solenoid 51D and the contacts S3R3 (line L40) are also closed to energize the retract solenoid GlU for raising the first gate G to permit another five loaves to move to the transfer station T where they are grouped against the stop 20 to form the third row 128 of the 3R pattern. After the contacts EElA (line L25) have been opened and closed for the fifteenth time, the counter C3 will be operable to close the contacts C30 in line L21 and energize the relay C3R, thereby closing the contacts C3R3 in line L45 to energize the gate lowering solenoid GlD through the closed contacts C2R4 (line 44) while opening the contacts C3R2 (line L42) to deenergize the retract solenoid GlU. At the same time, the contacts C3R1 (line L35) are close to energize the motor M2R. The sweep conveyor M2R drives the sweep assembly S to group the rows 128, 127' and 126', as illustrated in FIG. 14,

and then move the group pattern to the discharge conveyor I.

In forming the pattern designated 1R1" in FIG. 15, the switches 100 and 103 remain in their off positions and the switch 102 is positioned so that contacts 1020 in line L9 are closed to energize the relay 21T to close and open the contacts associated therewith and energize the electric eye EE2 (line L13); Again, five loaves B1 85' which were held in reserve on the turn conveyor section TC, are moved to the discharge plate 14 to form the first row 129 after the preceding group of loaves has been swept off the conveyor by the sweep S. The counter C1 is operative to close the contacts Cla to energize the relay CIR as previously described, after five loaves have passed through the light beam 89. As the next loaf is passed through the light beam 91 onto the turn conveyor TC to form a reserve group of loaves which will form the first row of the next pattern to be formed, the counter C4 is operable to close the contacts CM and energize the relay C4R, which closes the contacts C4R5 in line L51 to lower the second gate G2 to loaf interrupting position. When the next loaf, such as loaf B6, has passed through the beam 89, the counter C2 closes the contacts C2a in line L16 and energizes the relay C21T to open and close the contacts associated therewith as previously described. When the loaf B6, which will comprise the loaf row 130 (FIG. 15), is positioned against the second gate 20 to interrupt the light beam 105 of the photoelectric eye EE2, the contacts E2R4 close to energize the relay LT2a through the closed contacts C21T5, SlR2 and C4R6 (line L54). When the solenoid LT2a is energized, the loaf turning rod 46 is moved in the direction of the arrow a in FIG. 1 to turn the loaf B6 90. The contacts C21T3 (line L35) are closed to complete the circuit from junction 113 (line L34) to the sweep motor M2R. The

sweep motor M2R sweeps the B6 loaf into engagement with the five loaves forming row 129 positioned on the discharge plate 14 and then sweeps all six loaves onto the discharge conveyor I.

To form the pattern designated 1R2" in FIG. 16, the switches and 103 remain in their off positions and the switch 102 is positioned so that the contacts 102b (line L10) are closed to energize the relay 22T, which closes and opens the contacts associated therewith as previously described. Once again, five loaves,

which were halted by the gate will move onto the discharge plate 14 when the preceding group of loaves is swept off the plate by the sweep S. The counters C1 and C4 operate as described hereinbefore to permit five loaves (such as B1 B5) to pass onto the discharge plate 14 to form a reserve group of loaves to be used in forming the next pattern and to then lower the second gate G2 by energizing the solenoid C2D. The next loaf will come to rest against the stop plate 38. After the following loaf 131' has passed through the light beam 89, the counter C2 is actuated to close the contacts C2b in line L17 and energize the relay C22T which is operable to simultaneously close the contacts C22T6 in line L54, and the contacts C22T7 in line L58 to simultaneously energize the advance solenoids LTla and LT2a to swing the turn rods 54 and 46 so as to move the loaves, such as the loaves, designated 130' and 131 from the broadside positions shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 to the longitudinally aligned positions shown in chain lines in FIG. 7 to form a second row. The contacts C22T3 are simultaneously closed in line L36 to energize the sweep motor MZR which drives the sweep S and movesthe second row of loaves 130' and '131' off the conveyor and into engagement with the row 129, and finally moves both rows off the discharge plate 14 and onto the discharge conveyor 1.

To form the pattern designated 2R1" in FIG. 17, the switch 102 remains in the off position and switches 100 and 103 are so set that the contacts l00b (line L8) are closed to energize the relay 3R and contacts 103a.(line L11) are closed to energize the relay 31T which closes the contacts 31T1 in line L14 to energize the electric eye EE2, closes the contacts 31'12 in line L19, and opens the normally closed contacts 31T3 in line L48. Again, five loaves, such as loaves B1 B5 which are held in reserve on the turn conveyor section TC, are moved onto the discharge plate 14 to form row 126" (FIG. 17) after the preceding group of loaves are swept off the plate 14. The counter Cl is operated to close the contacts Cla and energize the relay CIR as previ: ously described, after five loaves, such as loaves Bl-BS, have passed through the light beam 89. The five loaves Bl-BS pass onto. the turn conveyor section TC to form a reserve group of loaves to be used in forming the first row of a succeeding pattern. The counter C4 is also set to lower the second gate 20 after five loaves 81-85 have passed through the light beam 91 as previously described. After the next five loaves which are grouped at transfer station to form a row 127" (FIG. 17), have passed through the beam 89, the counter C2 is operable to close the contacts C20 in line L18 and energize the relay C2R, which closes the contacts C2R4 in line L44 and energizes the solenoid GlD to lower the first gate G to the loaf interrupting position. When the contacts C2R3 in line L34 close, the sweep motor M2R is operable to sweep the row 12 7" onto the plate 28. The cam operated contacts 83B then 

1. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as packaged bread loaves, into different patterns comprising: conveying means for conveying said products in a generally longitudinal path; means for receiving said first portion of said products from said conveying means and turning it end-for-end to reorient it 180* relative to its former position on said conveying means; means for turning said second portion of said products on said conveying means through a partial revolution; and transversely movable means for joining the products of said first and second portions in a common plane product pattern.
 2. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for turning said second portion of said products comprises first turning means for turning one of said products in a first direction and second turning means for turning another one of said products in an opposite direction.
 3. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said first and second turning means are swingable from positions extending generally transversely of the conveying means to longitudinally extending positions generally in prolongation of each other.
 4. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for selectively transversely moving another portion of said products from said conveying means either before or after said second portion of said products is turned on said conveying means.
 5. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including means for turning said another portion of said products through a partial revolution on said conveying means.
 6. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: means for conveying products in a generally longitudinal path of travel; control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power; means connected in said control circuit means for moving the products from the conveying means and for grouping the products into at least two adjacent rows in a common plane; and means connected in said control circuit means with said moving and grouping means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in said pattern; said moving and grouping means including means connected in said control circuit means for selectively reorienting the product in at least one of said rows to reorient the product in said one row relative to the orientation of the product in another row in the same pattern.
 7. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said turning means includes means connected in said circuit for turning one product in one of the rows in a first direction and means connected in said circuit for turning another product in said one row in an opposite direction into prolongation with said one product.
 8. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 7, including additional circuit means responsive to the movement of products on said conveying means for operating said moving and grouping means; said additional circuit means including means for operating said reorienting means.
 9. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said reorienting means includes means for receiving a first portion of products from said conveying means and turning it through a partial revolutIon so as to form a first row of products reoriented relative to their former orientation on said conveying means, and said moving and grouping means includes means for transversely moving a second portion of products on said conveying means to form a second row of products adjacent said first row.
 10. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said reorienting means further comprises means for turning first and second products in opposite directions into abutting relation with each other to form a third row; said moving and grouping means including means for moving said third row into abutting relation with said second row.
 11. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said reorienting means comprises means for receiving a first portion of products from said conveying means and turning it through a partial revolution so as to form said one row of products; said reorienting means further including means for selectively turning a second portion of said products relative to their initial position on said conveying means to form a second row of products; said moving and grouping means including means for moving the products in said second row into abutting relation with the products in said one row.
 12. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said moving and grouping means includes means for moving a third portion of products from said conveying means to form a third row of products which are in abutting relation with the products of said second row.
 13. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means for selectively turning includes means connected in said circuit for selecting the number of products to be turned in each row.
 14. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 13 including means connected in said circuit for selecting the number of products to be grouped in each row of the pattern.
 15. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein said moving and grouping means includes a transversely movable conveyor element and control means in said control circuit means for operating said element in a path transverse to said longitudinal path of travel.
 16. The combination defined in claim 15 in which said control means for operating said element includes means operative when a predetermined number of products are disposed opposite said element on said conveying means so that said element moves a plurality of products to form a row.
 17. The combination defined in claim 15 in which said control means for operating said element includes means operative when only one product is disposed opposite said element on said conveying means so that said element moves a single product to form a row.
 18. A method of grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as bread loaves, into patterns comprising the steps of: conveying a plurality of products in a generally longitudinal path to a transfer station; moving a first portion of said products from said transfer station and reorienting said first portion end-for-end relative to its former position on said conveying means; and transversely moving a second portion of products from said transfer station to a position adjacent and in a common plane with the reoriented portion to form a pattern of grouped product.
 19. The method as set forth in claim 18 wherein the step of moving said first portion is accomplished by conveying said products in a U-shaped path from said transfer station to a position opposite said transfer station.
 20. The method as set forth in claim 18 including the step of reorienting the products of said second portion through a partial revolution prior to the step of transversely moving said second portion.
 21. The method as set forth in claim 20 wherein the step of turning the products of said second portion is accomplished by reorienting a first one of said product in a first direction and turning another of said products in an opposite direction.
 22. The method as set forth in claim 21 including the step of transversely moving a third portion of products from said transfer station to a position adjacent the reorienting products of said second portion.
 23. The method of claim 22 including the step of reorienting the products of said third portion through a partial revolution prior to the step of transversely moving the products of said third portion.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the step of reorienting the products of said third portion comprises turning third and fourth products in opposite directions and into abutting end-to-end relation.
 25. The method of claim 18 including the step of reorienting a third portion of said products through a partial revolution and moving them adjacent the products of said second portion.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the step of reorienting the third portion of said products comprises turning a first one of said products in a first direction and a second one of said products in an opposite direction.
 27. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping products, such as packaged loaves of bread, each having a lead end and a tail end comprising: a conveyor system for successively conveying a series of products in broadside disposition with the tail ends of all products similarly disposed including generally longitudinally extending first conveying means; second conveying means arranged to receive products from said first conveying means and convey them in broadside disposition relative to their path of travel and to reorient the products end-for-end so that the products have their tail ends in opposing relation with the tail ends of products on the said first conveying means; and a transversely movable pusher means mounted adjacent the said first conveying means for pushing a second portion of said products from the said first conveying means into abutting relation with the tails of the products reoriented by said second conveying means to form a pattern of grouped products lying in a common plane.
 28. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 27 including a first product turning device swingably movable from a remote inoperative position to a position interrupting one of said products moving on said first conveying means and being operable to turn said one product through a partial revolution; means for moving said turning device between said inoperative and interrupting positions; and means for operating said turning device to turn said one product in a first direction through said partial revolution; said pusher means being operable to sweep said one product into abutting relation with a portion of the first mentioned abutting products after said one product has been turned.
 29. Pattern forming apparatus as set forth in claim 28 including a second product turning device swingably movable from a remote position to a position in engagement with another product moving on said conveyor for turning said another product in a second direction in such manner that the tail ends of said one and said another products are in abutting relation when they are turned; said pusher member being operative to move said one and said another interrupted turned products into abutting relation with a portion of first mentioned abutting products.
 30. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for conveying products in a particular orientation in a generally longitudinal path of travel; support means for receiving products and supporting the products during pattern formation; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from said line; means operative to discharge a pattern formed from said support means; a control connected in said circuit means for operating said means operative to discharge a pattern formed, cyclically; means connected in said control circuit means and controlled thereby for moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means to adjacent positions on said support means during a cycle to form a common plane pattern; reorienting means for selectively reorienting one of said portions end-for-end relative to its former orientation on said conveying means during a cycle to form a common plane pattern; and a control connected in said circuit means settable to determine whether said reorienting means will be operable to reorient said one portion or not.
 31. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: conveying means for forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a generally longitudinal path of travel; means for receiving said first portion of said products from said conveying means and reorienting said first portion end-for-end so that it is in opposing relation to its former orientation on said conveying means; and transversely movable means movable transversely to said path of travel for moving said second portion to said reoriented portion to join with said reoriented portion in a common plane product pattern.
 32. Apparatus as set forth in claim 31 wherein said reorienting means comprises second conveying means including a 180 degree conveyor turn section for reorienting the first portion end-for-end relative to its former position on said first conveying means; and said transverse moving means includes means for transversely conveying the second portion from the conveying means into abutting relation with said first portion.
 33. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping portions of a line of conveyed food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: conveying means for conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a generally longitudinal path of travel; electrical control circuit means for controlling a pattern forming cycle delimited by formation of a common plane pattern of products from said line; means connected in said control circuit means, and controlled thereby, for cyclically controlling movement of at least first and second portions of said products to adjacent positions in a common plane during a cycle to cyclically form a common plane pattern; transversely moving sweep means adjacent said conveying means transversely moving one of said portions out of said line to a position transversely opposite the position from which it was moved; settable circuit means connected in said circuit means for selecting the number of portions to be grouped in a common plane pattern during a cycle; reorienting means, adjacent said conveying means and including a portion for supporting products during pattern formation, for reorienting one of said portions making up the pattern angularly through a partial revolution relative to its former orientation on said conveying means; means operative to separately cyclically discharge each pattern formed from said support means; and a control connected in said circuit means for operating said means operative to cyclically discharge a pattern formed.
 34. The combination defined in claim 33 in which said means operative to discharge comprises a sweep member and intermittingly operated drive means to operate it.
 35. The combination defined in claim 33 in which said reorienting means is operative to reorient said first portion.
 36. The combination defined in claim 33 in which said means for moving at least first and second portions from the conveying means includes a transversely movable conveyor element and control means in said circuit for operating said element in a path transverse to said line.
 37. The combination defined in claim 36 in which said control means for operating said element includes means operative when A predetermined number of products are disposed opposite said element on said line so that said element moves a plurality of products to form a row.
 38. The combination defined in claim 36 in which said control means for operating said element includes means operative when only one product is disposed opposite said element on said line so that said element moves a single product to form a row.
 39. The combination defined in claim 36 in which said control means for operating said element is settable to operate a predetermined number of times to determine the number of rows in the pattern.
 40. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping food products, such as loaves of bread, into one of a plurality of different patterns comprising: means for conveying a line of products in a generally longitudinal path of travel; control circuit means adapted to be connected with a source of power; means connected in said control circuit means for moving the products from said conveying means and for selectively grouping the products in one or more rows and in a common plane pattern, at least one of said rows including more than one product; and means connected in said control circuit means with said moving and grouping means for selecting the number of rows to be grouped in said pattern; said moving and grouping means including means connected in said control circuit means for selectively reorienting a product in at least one of said rows relative to the orientation of product in another row in the said pattern.
 41. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions of a line of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: electrical circuit means adapted to be connected with an electrical power source; conveying means connected therein for forwardly conveying a line of products, in a particular orientation, in a generally longitudinal path of travel and for sequentially transferring portions therefrom; and product support means for receiving said transferred portions and for reorienting one of said first and second portions end-for-end to form a predetermined common plane array of products thereon; said conveying means including means for moving said products transversely to said path of travel to transversely transfer at least one of said portions to said product support means.
 42. Pattern forming apparatus for grouping first and second portions portions of a plurality of conveyed products, such as packaged bread loaves, in a predetermined array comprising: conveying means for forwardly conveying products, in a particular orientation, in a generally longitudinal path of travel; means for receiving one of said portions from said conveying means and for reorienting said one portion end-for-end and disposing it in 180* reversed relation; and transversely movable means incorporated with said conveying means and movable transversely to said path of travel for relatively moving another of said portions conveyed by said conveyor means and the reversely disposed portion to join them in a common plane product pattern.
 43. The apparatus set forth in claim 42 including control circuit means adapted to be connected to a source of power; and means is provided for receiving and reorienting said another portion, comprising: turner means connected in said control circuit means for selectively turning either one or a plurality of products and a control, settable to determine whether said turner means will be operable to turn one or a plurality of products, connected in circuit with said turner means. 